Mosaic...

I do apologize for the length of time it has taken me to write this entry...so much is going on here in Adjumani, within our Adjumani Imago Dei Community, and in the depths of my heart. So many pieces God is putting together to form a glimpse of His amazing kingdom that is right here, right now. So, that is why I've given the name 'Mosaic' to this entry...And, even though I would like to be able to have you see everything that is going on here, I know that I will only be able to describe some of the pieces...

So, I would like to start with a bit of what God's been doing in my heart...as I believe that all we do comes from there. As I knew He would, but not knowing how, God has been shaping and forming the very corners of my heart...good and painful! I know this may be a bit too introspective for some-please bear with me. Our community - Jeff, Michelle, Jaclyn, and I - have begun to meet twice a week in order to converge on our understanding of being a community serving here in Adjumani. There has been a lot of refining and fine-tuning going on as a result of those times of sharing together. I share all of this because I think it applies to us wherever we are...God has a unique purpose for each of our lives here, but we are not here to each have our "own ministries" to claim is if they are ours. I have begun to realize how my culture strongly promotes and encourages this kind of thinking. It is not of God. And, I was struck by how that way of thinking strongly goes against what God has for me here. As I've let this sink in, I've discovered and confessed a spirit of competition and insecurity that has lead me away from genuinely trusting God and instead relying upon my own will & power to "find my niche" here. Once again, He is asking more of me - He has brought me to a place where I'm completely able to see the areas of my heart where it is much, much easier to just go on my merry way without looking to Him for guidance at all. But, I'm in the middle of realizing how that path only leads to more oppression of the spirit. The only way to true freedom of our hearts and souls is through trusting in Him. Yes, it truly is that simple...it's just not that simple to actually live out in our daily lives.
I'm so grateful for beautiful Jaclyn and how we've been partners in this journey here. She and I have shared a lot about our lives and the mix of wonder and difficulty of being here. God is so good. He knew exactly the kind of people I would need to be in community with...She and I have been living here in Adjumani - just the two of us - since mid-August as Jeff's mother passed away and they needed to be with their family in Portland, Oregon. God has used this time to really draw us closer to Him and to our community here...

I can't forget to mention the crazy journey home as we returned from Kampala to Adjumani. The road from Kampala to Gulu (where Blake is living and serving) is not so bad. But, from Gulu to Adjumani is another story...Fortunately, we are now driving a monster Prado (Toyota Landcruiser) which was lifted a bit and had thick mud worthy tires put on. Jaclyn and I feel quite cool driving such a vehicle ;). It should take about 3 hours to get from Gulu to Adjumani. This time it took a little more than six. I think the distance is about 50 miles or so...We drove in and out of potholes the size of small ponds of which some were filled with water from the rain that fell every so often on the way. We got stopped at least 3 times behind trucks and buses that got stuck and were being pushed by a dozen or so men to get loose...You just never know what you are getting into...But, we made it home. I was wondering why I felt a bit dizzy...

Living and serving in community has started right in our home with Esther (our cook), Palima (our housekeeper), and Sunday (our day guard). They are genuinely a part of our community and we are always inviting them in as such. Everyday we share in conversation, prayer, and lots of joking and laughing. There is always the tension that comes with us being white (mundus), living in a Western style home with conveniences like running water and electricity (most of the time;). But, we firmly believe that we are all equal in the eyes of Christ - Our world, and the way we live in it does not dictate that - But, in the mess of it all, we do our best to honor each person for the beautiful child of God that they are. There are many moments when I wish my skin color was totally invisible so that we could just see each other as fellow human beings and not as black or white and all that goes along with that.
Sunday and I like to work on our lovely garden together - We are growing carrots, tomatoes, cabbage, eggplant, peas, pumpkins, green pepper, and greens called 'osobi'. It's wonderful to grow these things that we and our neighbors can enjoy. Sunday is a sweet, humorous man of God who suffers much with asthma. The medication many people have access to in the States for asthma is just not available here.


So, as Jaclyn and I are here until the 15th or 16th of September on our own (and with the other three 5 days a week) we have been living, planning ministry, cooking, cleaning, praying, sharing about our lives, laughing tons, and serving others together. She has graciously invited me into the ministry she has had with several women at Ciforo Baptist church. We get to study the Bible and share about life together - AND, sing awesome praise and worship songs (these ladies KNOW how to sing and praise - as do all the Ugandan people we've fellowshipped with).


We are also spending two afternoons a week with the children of Amazing Grace Orphanage right here in Adjumani. Each week we try to help them learn more about Christ and who they are as beloved children of God. They are sweet, beautiful children ranging from about 6 to 18 years old. Pictured here is one day when we brought bubbles for them to play with...it was probably the most joyful day I've had here yet. They were absolutely playing with the freedom of spirit that all children should. As I look into their eyes, hold a hand, or help twirl a jump rope it is breathtaking to think of all they've been through - and yet - they are just children. They have wonderful caretakers that love and take care of them with the love and humility of Christ. Benaya (pictured here) is the main caretaker who is one of the most loving and gentle men I've ever met. He has his own family, but devotes his life to these children. You can see the fruit of his Christlike spirit by the way these children love each other like family. It truly is a blessing and a privilege to be there with them. Through a medical fund raised by some of Jaclyn's supporters we are also able to pay any medical fees incurred at medical clinics for the children.


Jaclyn and I are also meeting with a group of women at Liberty Baptist Church (where we worship each Sunday) to study scripture and share about life together. These women come with all kinds of background and history - just as we all do - which makes our time together very rich. Most of the women are middle-aged although we have one teenager, and my hope is that we have more teenage/young women join us. Just like any woman in this age group, they need to know how much they are loved and valued as beautiful daughters of God.

Last week, we also had a chance to assist a woman named Regina Adam who has a baking project where she bakes small cakes and rolls to support herself. This project was started by a man called Michael Idha who is a local who founded an organization called ATRUD (Appropriate Technology for Rural Development). She works right out of her home and has an oven that Michael designed completely out of local materials. Michael has also designed an oven that is very energy efficient in that it does not require a lot of firewood to stay hot. We are hoping that one of those will be placed at Amazing Grace Orphanage so that they can start their own baking project.

As I share these things, I am not doing so to convince myself or others that I'm being "productive" here in Adjumani. But, instead, trusting and following Christ as He opens the doors of ministry here. And, continuing to trust by stepping into those places even if I don't feel fully equipped to do so. I've also had it on my heart to go and visit women in Adjumani's prison - We'll see what happens there...

I know this was a looong entry. And, thanks for reading it! Much, much love to you all...And, please let me know how you are. (just in case, my email address is: eirekanani@gmail.com)